Questions for parents about student debt

Questions for parents about student debt

As a single parent, I am confused as to some comments regarding college debt ["Debt forgiveness plan brings mixed emotions," News, Oct. 11].

First, why are two adults aged 31 and 33 allowing their mother to pay their college debts. What were their degrees that now complicate their mother's financial situation? I am not judging, just questioning.

Second, why go to a school with an exorbitant yearly tuition? Unless a degree will assure a student of a career opportunity to satisfy the debt, a different school would be more advisable. Or is it important to say that one's child went to a prestigious university? Some New York state universities have great reputations although they not be well known in other parts of the country.

Third, what type of responsibility are you teaching your child by not establishing quidelines for payback of debt. When my son went to college, I told him I would pay for room and board and he would be responsible for his tuition. I was not financially able to pay for both. And we had engaged in conversations befoe then, and he was well aware of the financial issues.

Last, some college degrees today don't prepare our youth to enter a job market that will provide them with a good future.

Anita Hertell, Ronkonkoma

Once again, the government screws up something that could have been easily fixed. Instead of forgiving student loans, cap the interest rate at 1%. Paying more interest on a student loan than a car loan or a mortgage is not in the best interest of the country (excuse the pun). We shouldn't penalize people for getting educated. They will earn more over their lifetimes and pay more taxes. I don't have a problem with debt forgiveness, but I can understand why some people do.

Robert Cheeseman, Wantagh